Predicting recurrence after primary anterior shoulder dislocation.

We evaluated the factors influencing the recurrence rate after primary anterior traumatic shoulder dislocation, especially sports activity. A significant number of patients changed to athletic activities that produce less shoulder strain. The natural assumption would be that sports activity directly influences recurrence. However, age-adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that the correlation between sports and recurrence rate was false. Our statistical findings also clearly showed that physical therapy and immobilization do not reduce the risk of recurrence. The only factor associated with recurrence was age between 21 and 30 years. Patients in this age group who participate in high-risk sports activities should undergo primary surgical stabilization because of the increased risk of recurrence.